Palliatives: NASFAT, Niger Delta students task Tinubu on prudence

• PWDs ‘worst hit’ by subsidy removal, demand 5% of palliatives

NASRUL-lahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has called on the Federal Government to ensure palliatives for cushioning hardship, following removal of subsidy on petrol, trickles down to beneficiaries.

The group also urged the government to penalise anyone found hoarding items meant for disbursement to the needy. Speaking to newsmen, shortly after the inauguration of new executive members, where Alhaji Hakeem Adeniji was appointed chairman of NASFAT (Kaduna branch), the Chief Imam of NASFAT, Muhammad Maaruf Raji, called on government to “monitor palliatives that are to be distributed for the needy very well, and anyone found hoarding them should be brought to book. The Federal Government should do all that is necessary to ensure those who deserve the palliatives get them.”

Also, students from the Niger Delta region, at the weekend, urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure state governors do not mismanage the N185 billion meant for cushioning impact of the subsidy removal.

The students, under the aegis of Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG), who commended Tinubu for the move, said the measure will go a long way to ameliorate hardship in the country.

National President, Idowu Ayemobuwa, while being sworn-in, alongside other executive members of the union, said: “We, as a student body, welcome the decision of President Tinubu to give N5 billion to each of the 36 states.

“President Tinubu must ensure that the fund is properly used to ameliorate the sufferings of the people who are badly affected by the policy.”
He added: “The President should not hesitate to ensure that all refineries work. If the refineries are working, I am very sure that the price of gasoline will come down. This is the only way people will enjoy his government.”

Meanwhile, National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) has said five per cent of the N5 billion given to states should be allocated to Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).

In a statement, yesterday, National President, Rilwan Mohammed, said the demand is in line with provisions of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Prohibition Act.

He said: “The impact of the removal has continued to have a debilitating impact on PWDs who are largely poor and vulnerable. The inability of PWDs to afford decent food, healthcare and necessities of life has been compounded with the recent situation.

“Our members now find it difficult to use public transport as the transport system is largely inaccessible and unaffordable to members of the disabled community.”